Do You Know About Resveratrol and Prostate Cancer?

In vitro studies of resveratrol and prostate cancer were promising.  In animal models, resveratrol prostate cancer preventative activity has not been seen.  It has been shown to prevent the development of skin cancer in animals exposed to carcinogens. 

Orally, it has been ineffective against lung cancer and leukemia, but effective against throat, stomach, intestinal and colon tumors.  When injected into the lung, it did slow the growth of the tumor.  It appeared to help prevent breast cancer, but had no effect on existing tumors. 

In order for studies to continue concerning resveratrol and prostate cancer treatment, researchers believe that they will need to find a way to get the compound to the tumor. They believe that it only has a positive affect on tumors that it can come into direct contact with.  In other words, simply injecting it into the bloodstream or giving it orally is not effective.

As far as resveratrol prostate cancer prevention goes, it is not likely that there will be additional research.  Right now, most of the studies are focusing on the anti-diabetic or blood-sugar lowering capabilities of the compound.  Some small studies are being conducting concerning its use as an anti-obesity drug, as well. 

In animal studies, it has been shown to counteract the effects of a high fat diet, although exactly “how” it does that is not clear, but it has some effect on the genes within the cell’s DNA.  So, there may be many advantages to supplementation, but resveratrol prostate cancer preventative activity may not be among them.  Green tea and grape seed extracts, however, may be advantageous for that purpose.

Instead of focusing on resveratrol and prostate cancer prevention, you may look for alternatives.  Green tea is one of the supplements that are allowed to bear the health claim of helping to prevent cancers of the breasts and the prostates.  Other important botanicals and nutrients for men’s health include Tribulus, damiana, L-arginine, gingko biloba, corn silk extract, Chrysin, saw palmetto and lycopene, as well as omega 3 fatty acids.

Cancers of all types are caused by free radicals, chronic inflammation and exposure to carcinogens.  Normal cells become mutated and multiply spreading to the surrounding tissue and eventually forming a tumor.  Resveratrol prostate cancer studies were initiated because it has unique antioxidant activity.  Antioxidants neutralize free radicals.

Green tea, Chrysin and lycopene have antioxidant activity and they are natural anti-inflammatories.  Omega-3 fatty acids are also natural inflammation fighters.  So, even though the animal model studies concerning resveratrol and prostate cancer were not promising, there is hope for prevention and treatment.

As the standard treatments cause numerous side effects, many people are choosing alternative treatments.  That’s one reason that animal studies were conducted concerning the potential of resveratrol prostate cancer treatment and the reason that those studies are likely to continue.

In the meantime, the best suggestion is to consult a doctor of naturopathic medicine.  Many of them have programs designed specifically for men with this condition.  Perhaps, as time goes by, we’ll learn more about resveratrol and prostate cancer prevention. If you have a minute to spare, please take a look at my website now.